With just two weeks remaining in the 2008-09 regular season, things are getting down to the wire for college hockey teams across the nation as each squad strives to position itself for post-season success.

In the midst of a seven-game winning streak - the third longest in the nation - and having risen five spots in four weeks, the No. 5 Miami University men's ice hockey team is looking confident and capable going into its final full home series against Northern Michigan University.

Three of the nation's current top five teams belong to the CCHA (No. 2 University of Notre Dame, No. 3 University of Michigan and No. 5 Miami) - a fact that lends increasing support to the idea that this largely midwestern conference is just as tough as the traditional big names of the WCHA and Hockey East.

NMU's eighth place ranking in league play is not indicative of its true talent - the Wildcats have notched their share of wins against ranked teams this season, including a series sweep of No. 13 Wisconsin on the road and an Oct. 17 home victory over Michigan. Overall, the Green and Gold have compiled a record of 11-15-4, and they hold a ledger of 8-12-4-3 in conference play.

Meanwhile, the RedHawks have outscored their opponents by a 29-8 margin over the course of their recent seven-game unbeaten streak. The brotherhood holds a record of 18-8-4 overall and 16-5-3-1 in the CCHA. Positioned just four points shy of conference leader Notre Dame, a regular season title is still a possibility for Miami. Additionally, with last weekend's sweep of Lake Superior State University, the Red and White secured a first round bye in the CCHA post-season tournament, in addition to home ice advantage for round two.

"We obviously really want to win these last four games and see if we can make a regular season championship happen," sophomore Pat Cannone said."The home ice advantage for the second round of the tournament is going to be huge because our fans are so great."

Senior Justin Mercier echoed Cannone's sentiment, and stressed that the RedHawks are not going into cruise control just because they have already achieved a promising CCHA tournament bracket spot.

"It makes you feel good to have that all lined up, but we're not taking games off because of it," Mercier said. "That extra week is going to be crucial though, and it'll give us an advantage that some other teams won't have…especially with how beat up some people can be by the end of the season."

A major key to the brotherhood's success in 2008-09 has been its dominant and critically effective special teams. Miami's power play ranks 11th in the NCAA, led by sophomore Hobey Baker Award nominee Carter Camper, who has a CCHA-topping 20 points on the man advantage. Also, the RedHawks' penalty kill reigns in first place with a 90.6 percent success rate. Out of 191 penalties served this season, the Red and White have only allowed its opponent to score 18 times on the man advantage.

This weekend, the RedHawks' No. 4 special teams may face a challenge in the Wildcats. NMU junior Alan Dorich and sophomore Mark Olver are tied for first in the CCHA in shorthanded points with three apiece.

Additionally, the Green and Gold manage a 12.3 conversion rate on the power play. Olver and sophomore Phil Fox each have five power play goals to their names this season.

"They have a pretty potent power play, and they can really capitalize when things get going," Mercier said. "Our penalty kill has to be good."

Another major point of strength for the Red and White this season has been the tremendous and initially unexpected contributions of its two freshman goaltenders, Connor Knapp and Cody Reichard. Knapp ranks sixth overall in the NCAA with a 1.797 goals against average (GAA) and a .919 save percentage (SP). Reichard, who reappeared in action for the RedHawks on Feb. 13 for the first time in four weeks, sits in 14th with a 2.198 GAA and .913 SP.

NMU possesses a little more experience in net minder Brian Stewart, whose three shutout victories are tied for fifth in the NCAA. Additionally, the junior from Burnaby, British Columbia, ranks 28th overall with a 2.468 GAA and .915 SP.

Perhaps the most important facet of Miami's team this season is its overall depth. On any given night, numerous players contribute points, regardless of class, position or line assignment.

"Every night it's someone different doing the job for our team," Cannone said. "Third line, fourth line guys aren't even thought of in terms of their line. Any line can put points on the board for us."

Individually, Camper averages 1.24 goals per game and leads the team in scoring with 36 points to his name this season - good for 11th in the NCAA and third in conference play. Cannone has tallied 30 points in 30 games this season, and Mercier and sophomore Andy Miele have 22 apiece. Overall, 21 different Miamians have posted points this season. The RedHawks' relentless offense should serve them well against a team like NMU, whose jump from 19 goals allowed in the first period this season to 30 and 32 in the second and third, respectively, suggests that the Wildcats wear out as the game wears on.

Defensively, the Red and White packs just as strong of a punch. Freshman Chris Wideman is tied for fifth in the league for defenseman scoring with 21 assists - a number that also tops all freshman in the CCHA. Wideman also boasts a team best +14. Overall, the RedHawks are tied for fifth nationally in scoring defense, averaging just 1.97 goals per game.

"Going in, we knew our depth would be a strength," Mercier said. "All four lines can put pucks in, and that's a point of pride for us. We support each other."

NMU has the capacity to hang tough with Miami both offensively and defensively as well. Sophomores Gregor Hanson and Erik Gustafsson, both hailing from Sweden, as well as Olver, are the three Wildcat players to watch. The classmates have combined for a total of 73 points between the three of them this season. Gustafsson is tied for 25th nationally in assists with 21, as well as second in the CCHA in defenseman scoring with 23 points.

The puck is slated to drop at 7:35 p.m. Friday and 5:05 p.m. Saturday before Miami's Bicentennial Charter Day Ball. The Ohio News Network will provide television coverage both nights, and fans can also tune into www.redhawkradio.com for WMSR's live broadcast.